Environmental Damage?

[Joel]

I just posted a reef question earlier, but I forgot my most important
question. My biggest concern is the environmental impact of this hobby. I
have seen websites for companies that have tank-raised specimens, and that
sounds good to me. I just could not stand contributing to over-harvesting
just for the sake of having a fish tank. What do environmentally conscious
hobbyists do?

[Chris]

Buy captive raised and grown. There are some very responsible
collectors out their also. Walt Smith is one I know of first hand. I
and my wife have been to his place in Fiji, and have seen how they
conduct business. There are a number of others that are really good.
There are a few guys out of Australia that are doing a good job also.
Chris Carney
www.exotic-aquatics.com


Joel wrote:

> I just posted a reef question earlier, but I forgot my most important
> question. My biggest concern is the environmental impact of this hobby. I
> have seen websites for companies that have tank-raised specimens, and that
> sounds good to me. I just could not stand contributing to over-harvesting
> just for the sake of having a fish tank. What do environmentally conscious
> hobbyists do?
>
>

[Jeff LaFrenier]

For live rock you can also look for suppliers who provide "aquacultured"
rock. Basically that's rock they have placed in the water and harvest as
it matures so they're not damaging any natural reefs. Tampa Bay Sal****er
(www.tampabaysal****er.com) is an example of a company that sells
aquacultured rock. You can check out their website for more info.

Joel wrote:

> I just posted a reef question earlier, but I forgot my most important
> question. My biggest concern is the environmental impact of this hobby. I
> have seen websites for companies that have tank-raised specimens, and that
> sounds good to me. I just could not stand contributing to over-harvesting
> just for the sake of having a fish tank. What do environmentally conscious
> hobbyists do?